US criticises Russia's 'red carpet welcome' for Syrian President Assad
President Assad expressed his gratitude for Russia's military intervention
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The White House has condemned Russia's "red carpet welcome" in Moscow for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Assad's first overseas trip since civil war broke out in Syria came three weeks after Russia began air strikes against the Syrian regime's enemies.
"We view the red carpet welcome for Assad, who has used chemical weapons against his own people, at odds with the stated goal by the Russians for a political transition in Syria," Eric Schultz, a spokesman for the White House, told reporters on Air Force One.
A state department official told the BBC that while it was not surprised by the visit, the main US concern was Russia's continued military support for the Syrian regime.
The support had emboldened the government, he said, something which would only serve to length the civil war.
While in Moscow, President Assad expressed his gratitude for Russia's military intervention in the conflict.
He said Russia's involvement had stopped "terrorism" becoming "more widespread and harmful" in Syria, the BBC reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow hoped a "long-term solution can be achieved on the basis of a political process with the participation of all political forces, ethnic and religious groups."
On Thursday, a team of Russian MPs is scheduled to meet President Assad and the head of the Syrian parliament in Damascus.
Russia has been launching air strikes against the Syrian government's enemies since 30 September, often claiming to have launched scores of sorties in a single day.
Russian airstrikes may have killed "several hundred" civilians already, said Michael Fallon, UK Secretary of State for Defence.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments